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Mercedes-Benz new Actros leads the pack on fuel for Matthew Kibble Transport

Matthew Kibble Transport’s first Mercedes-Benz New Actros is beating the competition on fuel by an impressive half a mile per gallon.

The Lancashire-based operator is evaluating the New Actros 2545 against its established fleet favourite, as well as vehicles by three other truck makers.

Supplied by Ciceley Commercials, the reigning Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Dealer of the Year, the truck is powered by a 330 kW (449 hp) straight-six engine and has a range-topping GigaSpace cab. Like all New Actros it also came fitted with a Daimler FleetBoard telematics system, which is providing detailed feedback on the truck’s fuel consumption.

Managing Director Matthew Kibble explains: “Most of the major manufacturers have new products and they all profess to be the best, so we decided to take a look.

“We’re evaluating the complete package. Economy is very important, of course, but there’s more to the job than fuel efficiency alone. So we’re also assessing performance, driver acceptance, overall running costs and the quality of the dealer back-up, and not just over the first few weeks.”

He continues: “Mercedes-Benz and Ciceley have been as good as gold. They’ve done everything they possibly could for us and although these are early days I’m impressed with what I’ve seen of the service set-up at the dealer’s Blackburn branch.

“As far as mpg returns are concerned, the New Actros is already well into the nines, which is half a mile better than our fleet average and significantly ahead of the other vehicles we’re trialling. The driver also loves his new truck and it certainly presents a smart appearance – we’ve had people tell us it’s the best-looking vehicle on our fleet. Overall, it’s a very promising start.”

The company was founded in 1999 and expanded rapidly – in 2008, the fleet having grown to 20 tractor units, it moved to its current, larger home at Junction Street, Nelson. Today, Matthew Kibble runs 36 trucks, serves a roster of more than 200 customers and offers full- and part-load transport, warehousing and pallet services as part of the Pallet-Track network.

The New Actros is the subject of an Agility funding package from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Agility offers all the benefits of conventional hire purchase with a Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) – including low monthly repayments – but gives operators extra options at the end of the term. The customer can choose whether to pay off the final lump sum and keep the vehicle, use the vehicle as a part exchange for a brand new one, or return it free of any further obligations, apart from an excess mileage charge if the initially agreed limit has been exceeded, and damage charges over and above fair wear and tear.

“The finance rates are very competitive, which obviously reflects well on the vehicle’s low maintenance costs and strong residual value,” adds Mr Kibble.